Consulate launches survey of Filipinos in NSW

Media release

A Survey of Filipinos in New South Wales (NSW) was launched on August 17 at the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney. The Survey is an initiative of the Consulate to establish baseline data on Filipinos in NSW. Among the information that the Survey is expected to yield are the number and location of Filipino migrants in NSW and their profile, e.g. age, gender, occupation.

The important results of the Survey will also include the identification of suburbs where Filipinos are concentrated. “This demographic data is an important basis for the Consulate’s planning of the delivery of its services, including assistance in the event of an emergency or disaster,” said Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis.

All Filipinos – temporary and permanent residents in Australia, holders of work or spouse visas, Filipinos who have become naturalised Australians, and Australians of Filipino ancestry – are strongly encouraged to participate in the survey.

The survey is available online at the Consulate’s website, www.philippineconsulate.com.au. It will be conducted from 17 August to 31 December 2011. Filipino community organisations are being tapped by the Consulate to disseminate hard copies of the Survey for those who may not be able to access it online.

The launching ceremony was attended by around 90 guests comprising Filipino community leaders, representatives of Philippine media in NSW, and several invited individuals.

The Consulate plans to conduct the Survey every two years so that the profile of the Filipino Community in NSW would be kept up-to-date and relevant.

The survey is in line with the efforts of the Department of Foreign Affairs to have updated and accurate data on Filipinos overseas for use in its disaster and emergency preparedness program.

The launch of the Survey was followed by a forum where Consul General Louis reiterated announcements on the forthcoming registration for Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV) from 31 October 2011 to 31 October 2012, the ongoing campaign for the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and other activities and projects of the Consulate.